Which professionals undergo 40 hours or more of training to administer medications in nursing or assisted living facilities?

Medication aides are specifically trained to administer medications in nursing or assisted living facilities, requiring 40 hours or more of specialized training. This type of training typically covers medication management, understanding drug interactions, recognizing side effects, dosage calculations, and principles of safe medication administration. The role of medication aides is critical in ensuring that residents receive their prescribed medications accurately and on time, which is essential for maintaining their health and well-being.

While other professionals in the healthcare field may interact with medications, such as nursing assistants or licensed practical nurses, their training focuses more on a broader scope of patient care rather than the specific administration of medications. For instance, nursing assistants often assist with daily living activities and may have some basic training related to medications, but not to the extent or specificity of medication aides. Licensed practical nurses have extensive training and can administer medications but are generally not referred to as medication aides. Thus, the distinct role and training of medication aides make them the correct choice for this particular question.